Elizabeth Latortue

Elizabeth Latortue, age 34

My weight affected every part of my life. I was too tired to run and play with my two young children. At the movies I had to choose a theater with seats that had adjustable arms. On airplanes, I had to ask for a seat belt extender and no one wanted to sit next to me. Even visiting my kids’ schools was a challenge because I couldn’t fit in the desks.

Back pain, knee pain, shortness of breath, borderline diabetes, sleep apnea – it seemed as though all my problems were related to being overweight. My sister says I was moody and miserable and my negative outlook on life made it hard to be around me.

When I reached my heaviest weight – 333 pounds – I decided to do something. I went to one of the free bariatric surgery information sessions at Memorial Health University Medical Center and learned about the different procedures available. Eventually, I decided to have the gastric band surgery. I liked the fact that weight loss after gastric band is slower. I would have to work harder to attain my goal and, therefore, I would have more respect for my efforts.

It’s been two years since my surgery and I’ve lost 125 pounds. I went from a size 24 to size 10-12. My husband has lost weight too – 100 pounds, now that he doesn’t have a partner for late-night snacking. We work out together.

Just a few days after my surgery I felt ready to take on the world. My health problems are gone, along with my bad attitude. Now I’m very outgoing, happy, and confident. It’s a new me!